Attorney General’s office settles sex harassment claims

Two women who filed lawsuits alleging they were sexually harassed while working for former Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann have settled their legal claims. Current Attorney General Richard Cordray announced that the agency had settled the women’s claims for $247,000 each, including attorneys’ fees.

The women, Cindy Stankoski and Vanessa Stout, alleged harassment by Anthony Gutierrez, who was general services director for the agency. They claimed their complaints had been rebuffed and blocked internally.

It spells the end of a long, painful chapter for the agency. Dann resigned after he admitted to having an affair with a staffer. Gutierrez and another employee were fired for interfering with the sexual harassment investigation.

Final note: It’s not enough to simply have a sexual harassment policy. You must also ensure fair treatment for employees who complain, and ensure those complaints are taken seriously. Remind everyone involved in harassment investigations that no retaliation of any kind will be tolerated. Finally, regularly check back with the employees who complained to make sure there have been no reprisals.